A piano wire drill bit can help you cut holes in the wall right where you want them
When installing exhaust fan hoods, choose where to put the hole carefully. Use a drill and a piece of wire to create a reference point for determining the best location for the hole.
Step by step:
- File a sharp point on a stiff piece of wire. The wire is the critical element. Matt uses piano wire (12 gauge, .78 in diameter), which can be purchased at a music store.
- Make a reference mark somewhere on the inside.
- Drill through the wall, release the wire from the drill and leave it in place.
- Use that point as a reference for locating the hole both elevation and side to side in reference to framing.
—Matt Jackson is a master carpenter, remodeler, SketchUp Wiz, YouTuber, and contributing editor to ProTradeCraft. He lives and works in Rapid City, South Dakota.